Jan. 5, 2026: Trump cites Colorado in Venezuela action, mountain lion attack, stove warnings blocked, and more

Colorado unexpectedly entered the international spotlight after President Trump cited the state while justifying military action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro… claims that don’t fully line up with what’s known about gang activity here. Then, in the wake of the state’s first potential mountain lion fatality in decades, we look at why encounters with the big cats, while still rare, become more likely this time of year. Plus, a judge blocks Colorado’s plan to require health warning labels on new gas stoves. And we explore the strange industrial relics still standing in the state’s high country.Email us at [email protected]. Colorado Today is supported by CPR’s members.Read more on the stories in today’s show: CPR’s Allison Sherry reports on what’s known about Venezuelan gang activity in Colorado. CPR’s Tony Gorman with the latest on the possible New Year’s Day mountain lion attack. CPR and KRCC on Trump’s veto of Rep. Boebert’s Arkansas Valley Conduit bill. CPR’s Climate Team on the order keeping a coal-fired power plant open in Craig. CPR’s Sam Brasch on the legal challenge to Colorado’s gas stove warning law. CPR’s Stina Seig answers the question, ‘what are those bee-hive-looking things above Redstone?’ This episode of Colorado Today is hosted by Arlo Pérez Esquivel. It’s edited and produced by Mateo Schimpf, Megan Verlee and Tyler Bender. The executive producer is Megan Verlee. Theme music by Pedro Lumbraño.